Mother and daughter Kim Szerlip and Aubrey Sahouria clench fists like the famous pose while participants attempt a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. This year's effort to break the Richmond group's previous Guinness world record of 2,229 set last year fell short with an official count of only 1,640 participants costumed as Rosie the Riveter. less

Mother and daughter Kim Szerlip and Aubrey Sahouria clench fists like the famous pose while participants attempt a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway ... more

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

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Men and women dress as one in an attempt to set a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. This year's effort to break the Richmond group's previous Guinness world record of 2,229 set last year fell short with an official count of only 1,640 participants costumed as Rosie the Riveter. less

Men and women dress as one in an attempt to set a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. This year's ... more

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

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Wearing yellow vests, Park Service volunteers count participants attempting a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. This year's effort to break the Richmond group's previous Guinness world record of 2,229 set last year fell short with an official count of only 1,640 participants costumed as Rosie the Riveter. less

Wearing yellow vests, Park Service volunteers count participants attempting a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, ... more

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

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World War II shipyard workers have seats at the front during an attempt to set a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. This year's effort to break the Richmond group's previous Guinness world record of 2,229 set last year fell short with an official count of only 1,640 participants costumed as Rosie the Riveter. less

World War II shipyard workers have seats at the front during an attempt to set a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, ... more

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

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Men and women dress as one in an attempt to set a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. This year's effort to break the Richmond group's previous Guinness world record of 2,229 set last year fell short with an official count of only 1,640 participants costumed as Rosie the Riveter. less

Men and women dress as one in an attempt to set a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. This year's ... more

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

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At 102, Josephine Lico is the oldest of the World War II shipyard workers in attendance to attempt a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. This year's effort to break the Richmond group's previous Guinness world record of 2,229 set last year fell short with an official count of only 1,640 participants costumed as Rosie the Riveter. less

At 102, Josephine Lico is the oldest of the World War II shipyard workers in attendance to attempt a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, ... more

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

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Richmond police officer Vanessa Moschetti has a head scarf tied by volunteer Sheila Dickinson as participants arrive to attempt a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. This year's effort to break the Richmond group's previous Guinness world record of 2,229 set last year fell short with an official count of only 1,640 participants costumed as Rosie the Riveter. less

Richmond police officer Vanessa Moschetti has a head scarf tied by volunteer Sheila Dickinson as participants arrive to attempt a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the ... more

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

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Freesia Blizard cradles two-week-old daughter Sarah, likely the youngest paticipant attempting a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. This year's effort to break the Richmond group's previous Guinness world record of 2,229 set last year fell short with an official count of only 1,640 participants costumed as Rosie the Riveter. less

Freesia Blizard cradles two-week-old daughter Sarah, likely the youngest paticipant attempting a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, ... more

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

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World War II shipyard workers Marion Hernandez (left), Mary Highfell (center) and Ann Steppan sit in the VIP area for an attempt of a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. This year's effort to break the Richmond group's previous Guinness world record of 2,229 set last year fell short with an official count of only 1,640 participants costumed as Rosie the Riveter. less

World War II shipyard workers Marion Hernandez (left), Mary Highfell (center) and Ann Steppan sit in the VIP area for an attempt of a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at ... more

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

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Bryce Holmes strikes the famous pose as people arrive to attempt a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. This year's effort to break the Richmond group's previous Guinness world record of 2,229 set last year fell short with an official count of only 1,640 participants costumed as Rosie the Riveter. less

Bryce Holmes strikes the famous pose as people arrive to attempt a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, ... more

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

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Julie Skahill (second from left) and Christie Albertson tie head scarves for participants hoping to set a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. This year's effort to break the Richmond group's previous Guinness world record of 2,229 set last year fell short with an official count of only 1,640 participants costumed as Rosie the Riveter. less

Julie Skahill (second from left) and Christie Albertson tie head scarves for participants hoping to set a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in ... more

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

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Christie Albertson wraps a head scarf for Alice Halbert both of whom were among the participants hoping to set a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. This year's effort to break the Richmond group's previous Guinness world record of 2,229 set last year fell short with an official count of only 1,640 participants costumed as Rosie the Riveter. less

Christie Albertson wraps a head scarf for Alice Halbert both of whom were among the participants hoping to set a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion ... more

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

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June Burnett (center) has her picture taken with the famous slogan as participants arrive to attempt a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. This year's effort to break the Richmond group's previous Guinness world record of 2,229 set last year fell short with an official count of only 1,640 participants costumed as Rosie the Riveter. less

June Burnett (center) has her picture taken with the famous slogan as participants arrive to attempt a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in ... more

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

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Park Service volunteer Michael O'Brien folds head scarves for participants in need of one that showed up to attempt a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. This year's effort to break the Richmond group's previous Guinness world record of 2,229 set last year fell short with an official count of only 1,640 participants costumed as Rosie the Riveter. less

Park Service volunteer Michael O'Brien folds head scarves for participants in need of one that showed up to attempt a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway ... more

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

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Michelle McBee (left) and Christy Simpson hold up lunch boxes while Park Service volunteers count participants attempting a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, Calif. on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017. This year's effort to break the Richmond group's previous Guinness world record of 2,229 set last year fell short with an official count of only 1,640 participants costumed as Rosie the Riveter. less

Michelle McBee (left) and Christy Simpson hold up lunch boxes while Park Service volunteers count participants attempting a new Rosie the Riveter record at the Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the ... more

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

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Men and women dress up as Rosie the Riveter at the National Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond.

Men and women dress up as Rosie the Riveter at the National Home Front Festival and Rosie Rally at the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond.

Photo: Paul Chinn / Paul Chinn / The Chronicle

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June Burnett (center) has her picture taken with the Rosie the Riveter slogan used to inspire female production workers during World War II. Many said the festival felt different in light of recent events.

June Burnett (center) has her picture taken with the Rosie the Riveter slogan used to inspire female production workers during World War II. Many said the festival felt different in light of recent events.

Photo: Paul Chinn / Paul Chinn / The Chronicle

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Richmond’s Rosie the Riveter festival celebrates women in the workplace

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A sea of red blanketed the bayside stretch of Richmond that’s home to the museum commemorating the life of Rosie the Riveter, the iconic yet fictional female factory worker who redefined the role of her many peers in World War II.

Rosie and the barrier-breaking life she represents has taken on a newfound significance of late, said a number of people taking in an annual event held in her memory at the National Homefront Historical Park.

As more than 1,000 attendees, most wearing Rosie’s traditional garb of coordinated red-and-white polka-dotted bandanas, rough, blue working shirts and jeans rolled up over red socks, milled around in a bracing breeze, a number of people said that something felt a little different this year.

Perhaps President Trump was to blame, said Anabelle Conlin and Rebecca Ramirez, a Bay Area married couple. Or perhaps it was the recent leaked Google memo, written by a man, which argued that men are superior to women in the tech world.

Taking a time-out of sorts from the wind, huddled behind a building and looking out over the bay, Conlin and Ramirez, both dressed as Rosie, listened to a five-piece jazz band pump out a steady thrum of classic tunes.

They took in the smells of the water, and of the hot dogs wafting from across a World War II replica plane — the man sitting in the cockpit proved an exception to the gender norms of the day. The couple, now retired, reflected on their own lives, the little glimpses of their role model, Rosie, that they from time to time saw in themselves.

Conlin, 68, said she made a career out of working for what is now AT&T, starting with work that at the time was definitively a “man’s world.” She would “climb poles and crawl under houses,” testing the utility giant’s network on a local level. For years, Conlin said, she would get her hands dirty, and she loved it.

There were rare occasions when a particularly problematic customer would muse aloud if a man might do the job better. Conlin said she would nod and she would smile, and she would do the work better than her male peers. Those peers, she said, were older, and treated her with respect, teaching her the trade.

“It was very fun,” she said.

Not to be outdone, Ramirez, who worked at a factory to make ends meet for three summers as she attended UC Berkeley. To this day, she joked, she can’t much stomach the thought of a glazed donut, taking into account the untold hours she spent toiling over them in the heat.

That, too, was “men’s work,” once, but Ramirez, 55, showed that a woman was every bit as capable, if not more so. And she did not complain.

Back in the crowd, as the jazz band belted out another rendition, a reporter asked a man why he was there. He declined to comment, saying the day belonged to females.